Apparatus for applying stoppers to bottles



Nov. 1, 1966 J. M- COZZOLI ETAL APPARATUS FOR APPLYING STOPPERS TO BOTTLES Filed Aug. 20, 1963 I Hi 4 Sheets-Sheet 1.

JOSEPH M. COZZOL/ and HAROLD F. SCRIB/VER INVENTORS 1966 J. M. cozzou ETAL 3,282,026

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING STOPPERS TO BOTTLES JOSEPH/W. OOZZOL/ and HAROLD H SCH/BN5 INVENTORS TOR/V5 Y 1, 1966 J. M. cozzou ETAL 3,282,026

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING STOPPERS TO BOTTLES 4 SheetsSheet Filed Aug. 20, 1965 M Mm LN mm m 05 F MD L E0 M wH ATTORNEY Q 1956 J. M. cozzou ETAL 3,282,026

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING STOPPERS TO BOTTLES Filed Aug. 20, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 JOSEPH/$4. GOZZOL/ and HAROLD E SORIBIVER INVENTORS A OR/VEY 3,282,026 AEPARATUS FOR APPLYING STGPPERS T BOTTLES Joseph M. Cozzoli, North Plainfield, and Harold F. Scribner, Westtield, N..I., assignors to Cozzoli Machine (Jompany, Plainfield, N1, a corporation of New Jersey Filed Aug. 20, 1963, Ser. No. 303,269 13 Claims. (Cl. 53-606) This invention relates to apparatus for applying stoppers to bottles and more particularly to improve apparatus for receiving an individual stopper from a supply track and inserting same into the neck of a bottle positioned at a stoppering station.

Stoppers, currently in use, are made of various materials such as rubber, plastic, etc., and vary widely in size and shape. Generally, the stopper is a unitary member comprising a slightly tapered shank, or plug portion eX- tending from an enlarged-diameter flange. Some stoppers have solid shank portions while others have hollow shank portions. Also, some of the stopper flanges are flat, while others have axially-extending heads of various shapes, for purposes of appearance and/or function. Still further, certain stoppers have a diametric slot, or perforations formed in the shank portion thereby to permit exhausting of air from the bottle after it has been filled and after the stopper has been partially seated in the neck of the bottle. It is desirable that apparatus for applying the stopper to a bottle be adapted for operation with a wide range of stopper sizes and shapes or readily modified for such purpose.

Existing apparatus for applying stoppers to bottles may be characterized as undesirably complicated in construction and/ or operation and generally not readily adaptable for operation with plastic stoppers of different shapes, particularly odd shapes. Certain prior apparatus of this class operates on the principle of deforming the stopper prior to and during the insertion thereof into the neck of the bottle. Such apparatus requires a rather complex arrangement for deforming the stopper while retaining it properly oriented relative to the neck of the bottle. Further, such particular apparatus is not adapted for operation with many stoppers, particularly stoppers made of a semi-rigid plastic material and stoppers having odd configurations.

Other prior apparatus utilizes a resilient track for supporting the stopper in proper position at the stoppering station, which track is deformed to release the stopper as it is inserted into the neck of the bottle. In this particular apparatus, the support of the stopper is not positive during the stoppering operation and a relatively large working area is required between the track and the bottle in order to prevent the flexible track from becoming clamped between the bottle top and the stopper flange. On the other hand, if such working area is too large, the stopper will be free of the flexible track before the lower end of the stopper shank is inserted into the neck of the bottle. The resulting free fall of the stopper is, of course, undesirable.

In view of the wide variety of bottle-closure devices, they are customarily referred to as stoppers, plugs, fitments, closures, etc. It will be understood, therefore, that the term stopper used in the following description and the appended claims is intended to mean any form of bottle-closure which can be supported by the operating head constructed as herein disclosed.

An object of this invention is the provision of apparatus for applying a stopper to a bottle, which apparatus is of simple construction, positive in operation and which is adapted for operation with a large variety of stoppers and bottles.

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Patented Nov. l, 19%6 An object of this invention is the provision of apparatus for receiving a stopper from a supply track, or chute, and applying same to the neck of a bottle positioned in a stoppering station.

An object of this invention is the provision of apparatus for inserting a resilient stopper into the neck of a bottle to a predetermined extent without deliberate deformation of the stopper.

An object of this invention is the provision of an operating head for a stoppering machine which head includes supporting means for receiving a stopper from a supply track and in spaced alignment with the neck of a bottle, and power means for advancing the head toward the bottle and automatically releasing the stopper when the forward end thereof has been inserted a predetermined distance into the neck of the bottle.

An object of this inevntion is the provision of apparatus for applying a stopper to a bottle wherein the stopper is held captive in a movable head during transition from a stopper-receiving station to a stopper-applying station.

An object of this invention is the provision of apparatus for applying a stopper to a bottle comprising a movable head having means for receiving a stopper from a supply chute, power means for driving the head, control means for actuating the power means when a bottle is positioned in a stoppering station and adjustable means for releasing the stopper when it has been inserted a predetermined extent in the bottle.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description when taken with the accompanying drawings. It will be understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and are not to be construed as defining the scope or limits of the invention, reference being had for the latter purpose to the claims which are appendedhereto.

In the drawings wherein like reference characters denote like parts in the several views:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary, front elevational view, with certain parts broken away, of apparatus embodying the invention, the operating head being in the normal, raised position for receiving a stopper;

FIGURE 2 is a similar view showing the operating head in the stopper-delivery position;

FIGURE 3 is a transverse, cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIIII of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is similar to FIGURE 3 but showing a modified form of the feed track for use with stoppers of another shape;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary, plan view of means for centering the neck of the bottle at the stopper-applying station and one form of operating switch assembly;

FIGURES 7, 9, 11 and 13 are side, elevational views showing the operating head in four different positions relative to the top of the bottle;

FIGURES 8, 10, 12 and 14 are bottom views showing the positions of the pivotal arms for the four positions of the operating head as shown respectively in FIGURES 7, 9, 11 and 13; and

FIGURE 15 is a diagrammatic representation showing one form of the actuating components and a schematic diagram of an electrical control circuit therefor.

Reference, now, is made to FIGURE 1 wherein the base of a stopper-applying machine is identified by the numeral 10. Secured to the base is a vertical post 11, which supports a forwardly-extending, vertically-adjustable arm 12. The numeral 13 denotes the end of a chute, or track, which supplies the stoppers 14 to an operating head 15 made in accordance with this invention. The

upper end of the supply track 13 is operatively associated with a suitable device for receiving a bulk supply of stoppers and automatically delivering the stoppers to the chute in proper orientation. Such device is well known in the art and is not shown in the drawing. Suffice to say that the automatic stopper-orienting device may be secured to the post 11 to form a complete stoppering machine. Alternatively, the device may be supported on a separated base.

On the other hand, FIGURE 3, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIIII of FIGURE 1, illustrates the cross-sectional configuration of the supply track for operation with the particular stoppers 14. On the other hand, FIGURE 4 is a similar cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional configuration of the supply track 13 for operation with stoppers 14 of a different size and shape. In any event, the stoppers are loosely confined within the track and flow out of the lower end of the track under the action of gravity and/ or vibrations imparted to the track.

Referring, again, to FIGURE 1, the lower end of the track 13 is secured to a block 16, which, in turn, is secured to the supporting arm 12, Thus, the end of the track is secured in proper alignment with the operating head 15 for the purpose of delivering the stoppers, one at a time, to the head. The block 16 is replaceable by blocks of other thickness to accommodate a different supply track while maintaining the track in proper feed relationship with the operating head 15.

The numeral 17 identifies one form of actuator for the head, namely, an air-power device comprising an air cylinder 18, a piston rod 19 and an actuating solenoid 20, the latter being connected to an electric circuit by means of the leads 21. The air cylinder is connected to a suitable air supply by means of tubing connected to the coupling 22. When energized, the solenoid 20 opens an internal valve whereby the air pressure drives the piston rod downwardly. The piston rod is spring-biased to return to its original position upon deenergization of the solenoid.

The solenoid and cylinder of the air-power device are assembled on a base 23, thereby forming an integral unit, and the base is provided with transverse holes 24 for mounting the device to the arm 12, only one such hole being visible in the view of FIGURE 1. In the illustrated arrangement, an end block 25 is provided with transverse holes aligned with the similar holes in the base 23 and terminating in enlarged-diameter bores 26 for accommodating the heads of mounting screws 27. Such screws are threaded into tapped holes formed in the arm 12, thereby securely mounting the air-power device in operative position.

The operating head 15 is bored to slidingly receive a headed bushing 28, which bushing is provided with a peripheral groove and with an internal thread matching the external thread of the piston rod 19. Thus, the bushing may be threaded onto the piston rod to properly align the lower end of the operating head with the particular supply track 13 and locked in such position by the nut 29. When so adjusted, the operating head is secured to the bushing by means of a set screw S received by the transverse, threaded hole formed in the head.

A cavity 30 is formed in the lower end of the operating head 15, which cavity is open to the supply track 13. When the head is in the uppermost position, as shown in FIGURE 1, the leading stopper is moved into the cavity and is retained in the illustrated position by a pair of flat, pivotally-mounted fingers, or arms, 31, only the forward arm being visible in the drawing. The arm 31 is secured to the lower end of a rod 32, as by welding, said rod passing-through a vertical clearance hole formed in the head. A collar 33 is secured to the upper end of the rod 32, as by a set screw, the arrangement being such that rotation of the collar results in a corresponding rotation of the finger 31 about the axis of the rod 32. Rotation of the collar 33 is effected by means of a pin 35 secured to the collar and carrying a rotatable ball, or follower, 36 which is maintained in contact with the side edge of a vertically-disposed cam track 37, the latter being adjustably secured to the side block 25 by means of a screw 38.

The construction and operation of the head will be described in more detail hereinbelow. For the present, it is pointed out that when the operating head is in the stopper-receiving position shown in FIGURE 1, it receives a stopper from the supply track, which stopper is held in position by two, pivotally-mounted arms. When a bottle 38 is properly positioned in the stoppering station, the neck of the bottle is pressed against a V-shaped plate 39 which centers the neck of the bottle and triggers an appropriate electrical circuit to energize the solenoid 20. This results in a downward drive of the operating head, as shown in FIGURE 2. During such downward movement of the operating head, the two fingers, such as the visible finger 31, retain the stopper in position. When the bottom end of the stopper reaches the neck of the bottle, the stopper is power-driven further into the bottle neck by the roof 40 of the cavity formed in the operating head. Immediately after the roof 40 engages the upper end of the stopper, the arm 31 is moved out of the downward path of travel of the stopper flange. Thereafter, the stopper is fully, or partially, seated in the neck of the bottle, depending upon the maximum downward stroke imparted to the head 15 and the initial spacing between the top of the bottle and the head. The maximum downward stroke of the operating head is adjustable by means of the two nuts 41 locked in position on the threaded portion of a guide bar 42 having its upper end secured to a plate 43, which plate may conveniently be secured to the base 23 of the air-power device or other stationary part of the machine. Such guide bar is slidable in a hole provided in a lug 44 which is formed integrally with the body of the head 15.

The operating head 15 is of generally rectangular shape having smooth walls. Thus, as the head is moved from the stopper-receiving position, shown in FIGURE 1, the wall of the head proximate to the chute 13 effectively blocks the normally-open end of the chute.

During the return stroke of the operating head, the arm 31 is rotated in the reverse direction to its original position wherein it spans the cavity 30 formed in the head. It may here be pointed out that the shape of the cavity conforms generally to that of the particular stopper thereby preventing possible misalignment of the stopper relative to the axis of the bottle. In general, stoppers having widely dilferent shapes include a fiat upper surface, such as, for example, the stoppers 14 and 14' shown in FIGURES 3 and 4. In such instances, the roof 40, of the cavity, is flat. In cases wherein the stoppers have a round upper portion, the roof of the cavity may be made of corresponding configuration. In any event, the operating head constitutes a unitary means for positively carrying a stopper from the supply track to a bottle and for driving the stopper into the neck of the bottle to a predetermined extent.

Reference, now, is made to FIGURE 5, which is a fragmentary, side view of the apparatus. Here are shown the mounting screws 27, 27 which secure the air-power device to the supporting arm 12. This arm is provided with a journal 50, which is slidable along the vertical post 11 for the purpose of adjusting the apparatus to the height of the particular bottle 33 as well as adjusting the spacing between the operating head 15 and the bottle. The supporting arm is secured in the desired position on the post by suitable means, as for example, the clampscrew 51.

The vertically-disposed cam track 37 is provided with an elongated slot 52 and is slidably disposed within a vertical slot 53 formed in the end block 25. The cam track 37 is secured in desired, fixed position by means of the screw 38 and washer 54, the shank of the screw passing through the slot 52 and into a threaded hole formed in,

the block 25. It will be noted that the sides of the cam track are inclined at the points a to form a reducedwidth lower portion. The two follower balls 36, 36 are carried by the respective pins 35, 35' which are screwed into the collars 33, 33 and extend radially therefrom. These balls are free to rotate about their respective pins and are biased toward each other by the tension spring 54 whereby the balls are at all times in contact with the side walls of the cam track 37. When the operating head is driven downwardly, the balls 36, 36' ride along the track with no initial change in the angular positions of the two pins 35, However, when the balls reach the inclined surfaces a, the pins are drawn toward each other by the action of the spring 54. This results in a corresponding rotation of the fingers 31, 31'. The setting of the spacing between the supporting arm 12 and the bottle 38, and the setting of the cam track 37 are such that the rotation of the arms 31, 31' take place immediately after the end of the stopper 14 has been definitely inserted into the neck of the bottle. A better understanding of this particular operation will be had from the description to be given hereinbelow with specific reference to FIGURES 714.

In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGURE 5, the sup orting arm 12 is provided with a vertical slot 55 which accommodates the vertical plate 56 which carries the bottle-neck centering and switchactuating mechanism of the apparatus. This plate is provided with a vertical slot 57 whereby the centering and switch-actuating mechanism can be adjusted relative to the neck of the particular bottle 38, as by means of the screw 58 and washer 59. The lower end of the plate 56 includes a forwardly-extending portion 60, which is secured to a horizontal plate 61. As best shown in FIG- URE 6 (which is a fragmentary :plan view of the assembly now being described) the offset lower portion 60, of the plate 56, is provided with an elongated slot 62. The shank of a screw 63 passes through such slot and into a threaded hole formed in the'plate 61. This provides a means for horizontally adjusting the position of the bottlecentering finger or plate 39 with respect to the vertical plate 56. Inasmuch as the vertical plate 56 also is adjustable with respect to the supporting arm 12 (see FIGURE 5) the described arrangement provides a convenient means for properly positioning the plate 39, thereby to locate the neck of the bottle in alignment with the stopper carried by the operating head.

As shown in FIGURE 6, there are three pins secured to the cente-rin plate 39. The outer pins 65 and 66 are relatively short and are slidable within bores formed in the plate 61, said plate being cut back at the right hand side to provide a portion 70 of reduced width. The center pin 67 is relatively long and has an end 68 projecting beyond the shoulder formed in the plate 61, said end being provided with a circular groove for receiving a retaining ring 69. A compression spring 71 encircles the center pin, said spring having one end abutting the plate 39 and the other end positioned within a bore in the plate 61. Consequently, the plate 39 is spring-biased to the left.

Referring, again, to FIGURE 5, a micro switch 75 is mounted on a vertical plate 76, which plate is secured to the reduced-width portion 70 of the plate 61. This is a conventional switch having an operating pin 77 protruding from the switch housing and spring-biased against an actuating lever 78 having an end in contact with the protruding end 68 of the center pin.

The operatin cycle of the apparatus is as follows: When the operating head is in the stopper-receiving (raised) position, it receives a stopper from the supply track. The bottle is placed upon the base It and moved in the direction of the arrow so that the neck of the bottle enters the V-slot in the centering-finger 39. This centers the bottle relative to the stopper. A slight further movement of the bottle causes the pin end 68 to deflect the actuating lever 7 8 thereby closing the contacts of the micro switch 75. At this point, the neck of the bottle is properly positioned to receive the stopper. The closure of the micro switch contacts applies a voltage pulse to the solenoid of the air-power device whereby the operating head is driven downwardly. As the stopper enters the neck of the bottle, the fingers 31, 31' pivot outwardly so that the side edges thereof are clear of the stopper flange. Upon completion of the down stroke, as limited by the nuts 41 carried on the guide rod 42, the operating head is spring-biased to return to its original position to receive another stopper. During the return stroke of the head, the fingers 31, 31' return to their original position thereby to support the next stopper in the cavity of the operating head. Preferably, the electrical circuit for actuating the solenoid is so arranged that a second operation of the operating head cannot take place while the capped bottle remains in the stoppering station.

Reference, now, is made to FIGURES 7-14. In FIG- URE 7, the operating head 15 is shown in the fully-raised, or starting, position and carrying the stopper 14. The followers 36, 36 are in engagement with the sides of the vertical cam track 37, said followers being biased toward each other by the tension force exerted by the spring 54 having its ends secured to the pins which carry the followers. In this position of the operating head, the two, spaced arms 31, 31 span and partially close the cavity formed in the head and thereby support the stopper by its flange portion, as best shown in the related FIGURE 8, which is a bottom view of the operating head.

The position of the cam track 37 is pre-adjusted so that upon downward movement of the operating head the followers 36, 36 will ride the wide portion of the track until the end of the stopper enters into the neck of the bottle, as shown in FIGURE 9. Consequently, the arms 31, 31 remain in their original stopper-retaining position, as shown in the bottom view of the head, FIGURE 10.

As the operating head continues downwardly and as the lower end of the stopper enters the bottle, the followem 36, 36' ride along the inclined surfaces a as shown in FIGURE 11. This causes the rods 32, 32 to rotate in opposite directions. Since the arms 31, 31 are secured to these rods, the arms are rotated to the diverging positions shown in the bottom view, FIGURE 12. In such position, the proximate edges of the arms are spaced apart a distance sufiicient to release the stopper.

Thereafter, continued downward movement of the operating head drives the stopper into the neck of the bottle while the arms 31, 31' remain in the diverging positions, as shown in the related FIGURES l3 and 14. The limit of the downstroke of the head is preset by means of the stop nuts 41 carried by the guide bar 42.

During the return stroke of the operating head, the arms 31, 31' are rotated to their original positions when the followers 36, 36' ride up the inclined surfaces a. By this time, the arms lie in a plane above the upper surface of the stopper flange and, therefore, are completely clear of the stopper.

A schematic diagram of the electrical circuit and a diagrammataic representation of the mechanical component assembly is shown in FIGURE 15. The micro switch 75 is of the single-pole, double-throw type. Normally, the movable contact 80 is engaged with the stationary, back contact 81 whereby the capacitor 82 is char ed by the DC. output voltage of a rectifier 83, through the series resistor 84 and shunt resistor 85. As the bottle 38 is moved into the stoppering position, the centering arm 39 and the rod end 63 move to the right. This causes the movable switch contact 80 to leave the back contact 81 and engage the fixed, front contact 86, thereby connecting the capacitor across the solenoid coil 20. The discharge of the capacitor through the solenoid coil drives the armature 87 downwardly thereby closing the exhaust port 88 and opening the air-input port 89. Air under pressure drives the piston of the air cylinder 18 downwardly, said piston having the rod 19 mechanically coupled to the operating head 15. The electrical circuit is so arranged that the solenoid coil 20 is energized for a time period sufiicient to permit a full downward stroke of the operating head, the limit of such downward stroke being established by a setting of the nuts 41 on the guide bar 42.

When the capacitor has discharged through the solenoid coil, the compression spring 90 returns the solenoid armature 87 to the illustrated position, thereby closing the input port 89 and opening the exhaust port 88. The compression spring 91 causes the operating head 15 to return to its original position. The micro switch contacts 89, 86 remain closed until the bottle is removed from the stoppering station. When the capped bottle is removed from the stoppering station, the switch contacts 80, 81 again close, whereby the capacitor is again charged. The time constant of the capacitor charging circuit is such that the capacitor becomes fully charged within the normal time required to remove the capped bottle and position a second bottle in the stoppering station.

In the above description, an air-power device and an electrical solenoid are utilized to effect actuation of the operating head. It will be apparent, however, that a mechanical actuator with a timed indexing of the bottles would be equally efiective.

From the above description, it is apparent that convenient means are provided for individually presetting the spacing between the bottle and the operating head as well as the downstroke of the operating head. The point at which the stopper-supporting arms release the stopper, during the downstroke of the head, also is adjustable as is the position of the switch mechanism for actuating the drive means for the head. These features make it possible to condition the apparatus for operation with bottles of different height and neck diameter as well as stoppers of diiferent axial lengths, and, also, for fully or partially seating the particular stoppers in the neck of the bottle. The stopper is supported, in a positive sense, in proper alignment with the neck of the bottle during the stopperapplying operation.

It will be noted that the stopper fits somewhat loosely within the cavity of the operating head with the stopper flange portion resting upon the pivotal arms. Once the lower end of the stopper engages the bottle, its downward movement is arrested until the roof of the cavity engages the stopper upper surface, after which the stopper is power-driven into the neck of the bottle. Consequently, an operating head, having a given cavity formed therein, will accommodate stoppers having a relatively wide range of sizes and shapes. In the event it is desired to operate the apparatus with particular stoppers having a shape and/ or size falling outside of such range, the operating head readily is replaceable by another head having an appropriate cavity formed therein.

In the above description of the invention, the stoppers are of the plug type (that is, having a shank for insertion into the neck of the bottle) and the power means for driving the head is an air-operated piston. It will be apparent other power means may be utilized for this purpose and that the stoppers may be of the type having a shank portion for insertion into the neck of the bottle and an integral skirt portion which encircles the outer surface of the bottle neck. In fact, an operating head of the illustrated construction can be used for operation with pliable caps since the cap is supported by the two pivotal arms during the downstroke of the head.

Having now given a detailed description of the construction and mode of operation of the operating head, those skilled in this art will be able to make various changes and modifications without thereby departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as recited in the following claims.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for receiving a stopper from a supply chute and applying the stopper to a bottle comprising,

(a) an operating head movable from a stopper-receiving position to a stopper-applying position,

(b) means forming a cavity of a predetermined, fixed volume in the head which cavity is open to a side wall and the bottom wall of the head, thereby to receive a stopper from the supply chute when the head is in the stopper-receiving position, the cavity opening in the bottom wall of the head normally permitting free fall of the stopper therethrough,

(0) separate stopper-supporting means movably carried by the said head, said means normally spanning the bottom opening of the cavity to support a stopper in said cavity,

(d) means for moving the head between the said positions thereby to apply the stopper to the bottle, and

(e) actuating means carried by the head and moving the said stopper-supporting means out of engagement with the stopper when the said head has been moved a predetermined distance toward the stopper-applying position.

2. The invention as recited in claim 1, wherein the said actuating means is adjustable to preset the point at which the said stopper-supporting means is moved out of engagement with the stopper.

3. The invention as recited in claim 1, wherein the said stopper-supporting means comprises a pair of spaced arms lying in a plane normal to the path of movement of the head.

4. The invention as recited in claim 3, including means for adjusting the distance of travel of the head between the said positions, means for adjusting the spacing between the head and the bottle and means for adjusting the said actuating means to preset the point at which the said arms are moved out of engagement with the stopper.

5. Apparatus for receiving a stopper from a supply chute and applying the stopper to a bottle comprising,

(a) an operating head vertically movable from a stopper-receiving to a stopper-applying position,

(b) means mounting the head a predetermined, spaced distance *from the bottle,

(c) means forming a cavity in the head which cavity is open to the side wall and bottom Wall of the head thereby to receive a stopper when the head is in the stopper-receiving position,

((1) a pair of spaced arms carried by the head and normally spanning the cavity opening in the bottom wall of the head,

(e) individual rods rotatably carried by the head, each rod having a lower end secured to one of said arms,

(f) power means for driving the head from the stopper-receiving to the stopper-applying position, and

(g) actuating means rotating the rods in opposite directions when the said head occupies a predetermined position between the two said positions, rotation of the rods imparting a diverging movement of the said arms so that the arms lie beyond the cavity opening in the bottom wall of the head.

6. The invention as recited in claim 5 wherein the said actuating means comprises,

(a) a pair of followers individually secured to each rod and extending radially therefrom,

(b) a vertical plate secured in fixed position relative to the said head and extending between the said followers, the sides of the plate having opposed, inclined surfaces defining an upper plate portion of greater width than the lower plate portion, and

(c) spring means maintaining the followers in engagement with the sides of said plate throughout the range of movement of said head.

7. The invention as recited in claim 6, wherein the position of said vertical plate is adjustable.

8. Apparatus for applying a stopper to a bottle comprising,

(a) an operating head having a cavity of predetermined, fixed volume formed therein, which cavity is open to a side wall and the bottom wall of the head,

the cavity opening in the bottom wall of the head normally permitting free fall of a stopper therethrough,

(b) separate stopper-supporting means movably carried by the said head, said means normally spanning the cavity opening in the bottom wall of the head to support a stopper in the cavity,

(c) drive means for moving the head between first and second positions,

(d) means positioning a stopper in said cavity when the head is in the first position,

(e) means defining a stoppering station,

(f) control means effecting actuation of the said drive means when a bottle is positioned in the stoppering station, and

(g) actuating means carried by the said head for removing the stopper-supporting means to beyond the cavity opening in the bottom wall of the head as the said head is moved a predetermined extent toward the second position.

97 The invention as recited in claim 8, including means for adjusting the spacing between the head and a bottle when the head is in the first position and the bottle is positioned in the stopperin-g station, means for adjusting the extent of travel of the head between the first and second positions, and means for adjusting the point at which the said actuating means removes the stopper-supporting means.

10. The invention as recited in claim 8, wherein the said stopper-supporting means comprises a pair of flat, spaced arms lying in a plane normal to the path of movement of the said head.

11. The invention as recited in claim 10, wherein the said actuating means comprises,

(a) a pair of rods extending upwardly through clearance holes formed in the said head, each rod having a lower end secured to one of the said arms,

(b) a pair of pins individually secured to the upper end of each rod and extending radially therefrom,

(c) individual followers rotatably carried by each pin,

(d) a cam track secured in fixed position relative to the head and extending between the said followers, said cam track having opposed inclined surfaces formed in the side walls, and

(e) spring means retaining the said followers in engagement with the side walls of the cam track.

12. The invention as recited in claim 8, wherein the said drive" means in an air cylinder having a piston connected to the head, wherein the means defining the stoppering station is a horizontally-disposed plate having a V-slot formed therein for receiving and centering the neck of a bottle, and wherein the said control means includes the said horizontally-disposed plate in combination with,

(h) a solenoid-actuated valve controlling the supply of air under pressure to the said cylinder,

(i) a source of voltage,

(j) switch means actua'ble upon movement of said horizontally-disposed plate, and

(k) circuit elements connecting the source of voltage to the solenoid upon actuation of the said switch means.

13. The invention as recited in claim 12, wherein said source of voltage is a capacitor, wherein the said switch means comprises a set of normally-closed and a set of normally-open electrical contacts, wherein the circuit ele ments include means charging the capacitor through the normally-closed contacts, and wherein the capacitor is connected across the solenoid through the normallyopen contacts.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 681,949 9/1901 Butkus 53319 XR 2,797,541 7/1957 Cookson 53-306 2,826,885 3/1958 Henderson et a1. 53319 XR 2,919,532 1/1960 Earnheart 53--319 XR GRANVILLE Y. CUSTER, JR., Primary Examiner. 

1. APPARATUS FOR RECEIVING A STOPPER FROM A SUPPLY CHUTE AND APPLYING THE STOPPER TO A BOTTLE COMPRISING, (A) AN OPERATING HEAD MOVABLE FROM A STOPPER-RECEIVING POSITION TO A STOPPER-APPLYING POSITION, (B) MEANS FORMING A CAVITY OF A PREDETERMINED, FIXED VOLUME IN THE HEAD WHICH CAVITY IS OPEN TO A SIDE WALL AND THE BOTTOM WALL OF THE HEAD, THEREBY TO RECEIVE A STOPPER FROM THE SUPPLY CHUTE WHEN THE HEAD IS IN THE STOPPER-RECEIVING POSITION, THE CAVITY OPENING IN THE BOTTOM WALL OF THE HEAD NORMALLY PERMITTING FREE FALL OF THE STOPPER THERETHROUGH, (C) SEPARATE STOPPER-SUPPORTING MEANS MOVABLY CARRIED BY THE SAID HEAD, SAID MEANS NORMALLY SPANNING THE BOTTOM OPENING OF THE CAVITY TO SUPPORT A STOPPER IN SAID CAVITY, (D) MEANS FOR MOVING THE HEAD BETWEEN THE SAID POSITIONS THEREBY TO APPLY THE STOPPER TO THE BOTTLE, AND (E) ACTUATING MEANS CARRIED BY THE HEAD AND MOVING THE SAID STOPPER-SUPPORTING MEANS OUT OR ENGAGEMENT WITH THE STOPPER WHEN THE SAID HEAD HAS BEEN MOVED A PREDETERMINED DISTANCE BETWEEN TOWARD THE STOPPER-APPLYING POSITION. 